The Canine code

We want you to make the most of being on holiday with your best friend. This means respecting the fact that not everyone is a dog lover and a certain etiquette applies. We've put together key points from The Countryside Code alongside some useful tips to make sure you and your four-legged friend have the best break.

 

The Countryside Code is dedicated to helping members of the public respect, protect and enjoy the countryside.

The countryside is a great place to exercise dogs, but it’s every owner’s duty to make sure their dog is not a danger or nuisance to farm animals, wildlife or other people:
• Leave all gates, whether opened or closed, as you found them.
• By law, you must control your dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife. You must keep your dog on a short lead on most areas of open country and common land between 1 March and 31 July, and at all times near farm animals.
• You do not have to put your dog on a lead on public paths as long as it is under close control. But as a general rule, keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on its obedience. By law, farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals.
• Take particular care that your dog doesn’t scare sheep and lambs or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground and other wildlife - eggs and young will soon die without protection from their parents.
• Everyone knows how unpleasant dog mess is and it can cause infections - so always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly. Also make sure your dog is wormed regularly to protect it, other animals and people.
• At certain times dogs may not be allowed on some areas of open land or may need to be kept on a lead. Please follow any signs. You can also find out more about these rules from www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Walking and Cattle

Many footpaths cut across farmland which is being grazed by cattle. Cattle are not prohibited from being kept in fields crossed by rights of way. Much of the time, a herd of cattle in a field will approach you out of curiosity. It would be prudent however, to exercise caution when entering a field of cattle, as serious cases of attacks by cattle have taken place, particularly upon walkers with dogs. The following advice is given;
• When walking through a field of cattle, keep calm and move calmly and quietly through the field.
• Do not let yourself get between a cow and her calf.
• If you have a dog with you, the most important thing is to let it go. The cattle are probably more interested in the dog than you and the dog can travel a lot faster and will get itself to safety. Your safety should be prime in your mind.

Lost Dogs
If the worst happens and your dog gets lost, know who to call. Perhaps prepare a dog information pack before you leave with things like a good photo of your dog, a good description and your contact details. Local Councils may have a dog warden, or perhaps contacting the police would help, try local rescues and vets. For lost and stray dogs, or to report an incidence of dog fouling, contact the Carmarthenshire County Council Contact Centre on 01267 234567 or online.

Vets
Make a note of the local vets, or in most cases your hosts or even locals can help with advice. Or contact us in the information centre on 01267 231557 for any advice.

Micro-chipping
Your dog may have a tag on his collar, but this can get lost, a microchip can't get lost. It’s always best as it may ensure that you dog can get recognised once its collar has gone.

Some things to remember....

Staying
Where to stay? Make sure your dog's needs are considered, as well as yours. Your dog may enjoy "ruffing" it with you in a tent, while some dogs might need comfort depending on their age and breed. 

How to Book
Once you’ve found somewhere to stay, double-check that dogs are welcome, make sure! It’s worth checking if there are any restrictions on the breed, number or size of dogs that you can bring, always check as restrictions may not be clearly advertised. Check if there is an extra charge for dogs, or any extra cleaning charges for dogs, not all places offer free dog holidays! 

Pack for your dog
Your dog will need to have a bag too! Make sure you have the favourite blanket, the favourite ball, favourite bowl, make a list so you don’t forget anything, as we all know that not all balls are made or taste or smell or weigh the same, and your dog will also know this! Perhaps invest in a corkscrew tether, a longer lead or a jacket if it’s going to be cold and wet!

Travel
Ensure your dog is comfortable en-route to your holiday. Bring the favourite blanket, make sure you open windows, to ensure plenty of air, water must be available, try one of the many travel bowls or bottles, take plenty of toilet and leg stretching breaks if driving, both for you and your dog. Do not leave your dog/s in the car. Did you know when it’s 22°C outside, the temperature inside a car can soar to 47°C within 60 minutes. If travelling by public transport call and check that dogs are allowed to travel, some buses and trains will allow dogs, but always check first.

Food and Meals
If staying in a tent or a cottage, or anywhere self catering, you can cook what you all like, but if you’re all at a B&B or a hotel, its best to check meal arrangements. Some places allow dogs where food is served as long as you are outside or they may have other arrangements, while other places don’t allow dogs near tables, in fact hygiene laws and regulations may mean your dog won't be allowed to your table at mealtimes, in this case check if your dog can stay in the room unaccompanied. Some places will have beer gardens or alfresco areas, or car parks where dogs can be watched if left in your car, some may even offer room-service, either way check first to ensure you can plan around any issues! See dog friendly eating out for a list of dog friendly pubs and other establishments. Remember to check out Heavenly’s dog friendly Ice Cream! Make sure you take enough food for your dog, pack what they eat normally, whether tinned or packet wet food or dry mixes, take enough for the whole holiday as you may not be able to buy the same brand locally.

Walkies
See dog friendly walks for the perfect dog walks there’s also information regarding where your dog can't go.

Poo Ewwww
Make sure you have an ample supply of poo bags and dispose of the waste carefully! Dog owners are required by law to clean up after their dogs. If you allow your dog to foul and do not clean up after it you may be issued with a fixed penalty by the Dog Warden. No one likes dog muck, so clean yours up!

Homesick
When you holiday, the change of scenery, environment, different temperatures, and many other factors may cause some anxiety in your dog. This will improve with time as you dog quickly adapts, set up a holiday routine of food times, walk times, etc. and your dog will feel at home quickly. Try rescue remedy or any of the other calming medicines available, it may help settle your dog quicker, again with medicines it is always worth consulting your vet for advice.

Thirsty Work
Make sure you carry water with you for the dog. Various travel bottles and bowls are great as they are tailor made for convenience and carrying one with you will ensure that your dog doesn’t go thirsty. This is particularly important in warm or hot weather.

Fitness
You may be planning an active holiday, from walking to cycling or something more extreme, either way,make sure that if you are training to go on an active holiday, your dog is trained too. Improved fitness levels to cope with your holiday will mean your dog needs training too! Check with a vet if your dog is old or has medical conditions. When on holiday monitor your dog to make sure that the change of pace isn’t too much for them

Pet Insurance
Do you have pet insurance? It may be worth investing in some to help cover vet bills, but also to cover accidents and possible damage. Check the policy for third party liability, even if your dog is great at home, the environmental and routine changes may cause unruly or even destructive behaviour, insurance will help with any problems!

Behaviour
You might know your dog is friendly when he jumps up on you, others may not know though! Ensure your dog is well trained and behaves around other dogs and guests, perhaps even have a refresher training course!

Here Rover.. Here Boi... Here... Here.. Oi!

If you let your dog off the lead....... make sure that he will come back! Because he comes back at home don’t assume he will on holidays, new smells and new places could lead to him wanting to explore more. If in doubt keep your dog on the lead!

Doggy Day Care
If on holiday and you want to go somewhere that doesn’t allow dogs don’t worry. Some accommodation may offer a dog sitting service or there may be doggy day care available in the area, or some local kennels may offer day stays.